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Three Tampa teens are being charged with murder and hate crime after attacking homeless people because they were ‘bored.’ The violent spree of crimes took place on July 13, 2026, when three teenagers approached a young man and woman on the 800 block of E. MLK Blvd. The first incident took place around 2:30 a.m. when the three individuals insulted the woman and threw stones at her.
How Tampa Police Identified the Three Juvenile Suspects
According to Fox 13, the woman was injured but did not immediately report the incident. The matter came to the attention of the Tampa Police Department (TPD) when police officers found a man “unresponsive and badly beaten behind a closed business” at 7:45 a.m. An ambulance was called, and paramedics rushed the injured man to the hospital, where he continues to recover while on a ventilator. He has suffered a traumatic brain injury.
As the TPD learned about the incident and interacted with the victims, investigators pieced together a timeline of the incident. Based on the victims’ descriptions of the suspects, police arrested three juveniles, ages 13, 14, and 16. The three had previously been arrested in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries along Emma Street.
Police Say the Teens Claimed They Were ‘Bored’
It was later revealed that pieces of clothing and other evidence linked the three to the crime. The teens also claimed that they committed the crime because they were “bored.”
Following the arrest, the three teens were charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon evidencing prejudice. An additional charge of burglary has also been added related to the Emma Street burglaries.
‘This Was Targeted Violence’
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said, “The fact that boredom is cited as a reason for criminal activity at any level, let alone attempted murder, is highly concerning, and those responsible will be held fully accountable.” He further added, “While many teens in our city actively participate in constructive, city and department-sponsored programs, there is simply no excuse for the senseless behavior demonstrated by this group. When our vulnerable populations are attacked and injured in this type of manner, this should really outrage the community.”
Tampa Police Department’s Deputy Chief Patrick Messmer also spoke on the matter to explain the gravity of the situation. Messmer said, “This was not random mischief; this was targeted violence. These were hate crimes, targeting individuals, specifically because they were homeless. Boredom never justifies brutality. When you commit a crime like this, no matter your age, you’re going to be held accountable.”
Bercaw also highlighted the role of parents, saying,”Parents need to know where their kids are. Whether or not they’re participating in a takeover or whether or not they’re roaming the streets.”
